Black Theatre's beginnings were quite controversial. In the beginning, there were no black actors, and actors were portrayed in the offensive form of blackface. Blackface is a technique used by actors to cover their faces in black paint or makeup to be portrayed as black characters. Characters that were portrayed in blackface were often portrayed almost as primates. During the American Revolution in 1776, Black Theatre had a revolution of its own. Plays began to present black characters in a positive light, and many black characters were portrayed as heroes, and black playwrights began to step into the spotlight. For example, William Wells Brown became the first African American to write a drama. Black Theatres, such as the African Glove Theatre that began its operations in 1821, began to offer opportunities for black actors. The African Glove was initially very successful, but unfortunately had to close its doors due to white audiences entering and mocking the black actors. Many more art forms within the African American community began to be popularized during the 1920s, including the works of the Harlem Renaissance. These works began to bring attention to the struggles of the African American community. The American Negro Theatre came to being, and instead of having only black works, the theatre was a chance for black actors to have the same opportunities as white actors. However, in the 1950s, the black talent really began to shine in the American Negro Theatre, with artists such as Maya Angelou and many more.
I would not consider Fires in the Mirror a black theatre play. While issues of racism are definitely seen throughout, I feel that this play is more about telling the tragic stories of Gavin Cato and Yankel Rosenbaum. Smith brought to light many issues on the effects of differences between the black and Jewish communities in this situation, and I felt that putting Gavin's father's monologue at the end so that the audience can grieve with the father rather than focusing on the conflicts between the two groups allows this play to be about a tragedy rather than just race.
I would not consider Fires in the Mirror a black theatre play. While issues of racism are definitely seen throughout, I feel that this play is more about telling the tragic stories of Gavin Cato and Yankel Rosenbaum. Smith brought to light many issues on the effects of differences between the black and Jewish communities in this situation, and I felt that putting Gavin's father's monologue at the end so that the audience can grieve with the father rather than focusing on the conflicts between the two groups allows this play to be about a tragedy rather than just race.